Luxury and Fine Dining At The Rothay Manor, Ambleside

It was time for a break, an escape that would take me back to walking the mountains I enjoy in the Lake District, Cumbria. The weather was warm so it was also time to enjoy some comforts and fine dining whilst there. I was kindly invited to try the Rothay Manor Hotel in Ambleside. A place with a great central location for my visit and not just a lovely accommodation but includes a restaurant with a huge reputation for fine dining.

Rothay Manor is not directly in the centre of Ambleside either but well within walking distance. It is also walking distance from the great lake of Windermere, right at the northern top end. This gives it a real feel of an escape, a retreat in the countryside. And of course the Lake District is a wonderful countryside. As soon as you drive in you get a feel of seclusion, quiet, and old world charm.

Stepping into the room you felt that real sense of luxury as well as feeling truly comfortable. In all my travels I have seen so many places that get that wrong, putting guests on edge for the sake of luxury. Rothay Manor Hotel has a unique charm about it as I said and all the little things that many would like are there. Huge comfortable bed, lots of space, plus a lovely refurbished bathroom with walk in shower too. There was a balcony overlooking the front that was a treat to sit with a drink and watch the world go by in peace whilst overlooking the well maintained and colourful gardens. I must add that the hotel is also proudly dog friendly, great to see as many want to walk the fells here with their dogs.

It was time to dine! And the reputation of this place had preceded me. In fact there was a choice of style for dining, fine dining in the AA rosette awarded restaurant or by the wood burning fire in the other restaurant with earthly dishes as pasta and steaks.

It was fine dining for us, we just had to do that whilst here. And also recommended from there is the 8 course decadent tasting menu.

An evening of true tasting delights it was! Firstly can I give my thanks to the Head Chef, Dan, who kept on producing course after course of delicious and truly appealing dishes. This is one of those tasting menus that although smaller dishes each course it has been made up perfectly so that by the end you are completely satisfied.

I am not even showing every course here, so you can get what I mean. From starters to dessert there was always something new and exciting coming next. Even on the side there was an array of bread and butters that had so much freshness and flavour it is impossible to describe, honestly.

From sole to venison, from beef to lamb to kale. The tastes just kept on coming. What made it even more special was the natural warmness of the staff serving. Speaking of serving you also have the option of having this tasting menu with the wine/champagne with each course that fits best 😉

And who can say no to 2 small sneaky desserts in there too! A great way to round a great meal off I am sure you agree.

Like I say, the above is only a part of what this particular menu offered, you can check out the full tasting menu here if you would like to to peruse it. It was shame I had only one night here as the A La Carte menu looked great too!

After lots of good food and lots of good drink it was time to retire to the comfort of the room for good sleep before heading up a mountain.

Would I come to Rothay Manor again on a visit to the Lake District? Yes indeed I would. Check the website for more they have to offer.

Founder of BaldHiker.com and avid hiker, climber and trekker. Never liking to sit still and always seeking new adventures around the world. Sharing personal views here and tweeting live via @paul_steele